GWSR | Cotswold Festival of Steam Gala | 23-25 May 2026

Will footplate rides be on offer this year? And if so are they also likely to go on sale next week too please? Haven't quite decided on attendance but it's likely I'll be along for at least one of the days, this has become a bit of a 'go to' the last few years!

 

Good afternoon, does anyone know which way Marston is facing please. Many thanks and best regards.

 

Chimney first towards Broadway

 

Many thanks Matt, much appreciated.

 

Hotel booked, rover tickets booked, just the timetable to plan the wonderful weekend to come!

 

We're holding off publishing until we can announce our final guest, hopefully end of this week/this weekend. But the TT is essentially ready to go. It should be worth the wait!

 

Its gonna be UP 4014 isn't it, just awaiting the results as to whether Stanway viaduct will take the weight....

Whilst I'm on my yearly trip down in the vicinity, I won't be able to make it this year, hope everyone has a fine old time at this lovely line.

 

Dammit, the secret's out!

 

Manston in the sun on her first day in traffic last Saturday....

 

Will the other platform at Broadway be accessible for the weekend? Thanks.

 

Getting a bit late in the day for a shuttle bus service to be announced between the 2 stations in Cheltenham, also as cheap fares from Yorkshire tend to get dearer nearer the date, I haven’t booked yet, it’s a case of as I am disabled ‘no shuttle bus’ and I will be unable to attend, which is a pity as I have been the last 3 years and enjoyed my time there

 

+1 for this, or even the Evesham-Broadway link again.

Frustratingly I live about 55mins by car from Broadway but as a non-driver, the poor public transport provision means my only option is train to Birmingham, then Cheltenham, and then bus from there!

Has the option of stopping the D & E buses outside Cheltenham Racecourse station ever been discussed with Stagecoach? It seems daft that they pass right by the entrance on the Evesham Road, but don't actually stop there!

 

Same for me. I probably won’t be able to go

 

Oh no, the glass is half empty.

Come on lads, meet up at Cheltenham, share a taxi and have a great day together. <BJ>

 

It's a great theory, but even if you are willing to share a taxi with complete strangers, you've still got to agree to coordinate arrival and departure times from different parts of the country.

In my case, I'd almost certainly have my dog with me, and it's often a struggle to find a taxi who'll take her!

 

Bit difficult if arriving from different parts of country at different times , and going home later everyone will have a different departure time

 

Would you trust the national network to get three people to one place to share a taxi? I certainly would not, especially as it may well involve XC.

 

Yes i'm XC all the way from Manchester!!

 

It's all gone a bit quiet. Do we know when the final timetable will be published?

 

I guess they are waiting to confirm the arrival of UP 4014 or the alternative mystery further visitor before going to press, all will out !
Forward weather forecast from the Broken Biscuit Company suggests sunshine and showers for all the days with a mid-day temperature hitting 20 deg C., no doubt his will change nearer the event.